This Cajun Shrimp Dip is creamy, spicy, and full of flavor! It features juicy shrimp, cream cheese, and zesty spices, making it a perfect party snack. Your taste buds will love it!
I love serving this dip with crunchy tortilla chips or veggies. You might want to keep a secret stash just for yourself—you won’t want to share! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp have the best flavor, but frozen shrimp works great too. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using. You can also substitute shrimp with cooked crab meat or even canned tuna if preferred!
Cajun Seasoning: This spice blend gives the dip its signature kick. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne for a similar flavor. Adjust it based on your spice level preference!
Cream Cheese: It’s essential for that creamy texture. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or reduced-fat cream cheese, but it may change the dip’s taste a bit.
Cheeses: Cheddar and mozzarella add richness and gooeyness. If you want to switch it up, try pepper jack for added spice, or a vegan cheese alternative if you’re looking for a dairy-free option!
How Do I Cook the Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp can be a bit tricky, but with these tips, you’ll get it just right! First, make sure your shrimp are peeled and deveined. This makes them easier to cook and eat. Here’s how to get them perfectly cooked:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Wait until the oil is hot.
- Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes shrimp rubbery, so keep an eye on them!
- Once done, remove them from the heat immediately. Let them cool a bit before adding to your dip.
With these tips, your shrimp will be succulent and delicious!
How to Make Cajun Shrimp Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (plus extra for garnish)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Baguette slices or tortilla chips, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cajun Shrimp Dip takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus around 25 minutes of baking time. In about 40 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, cheesy dip that’s sure to impress your friends and family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps your dip cook evenly and become bubbly and delicious when it’s time to bake.
2. Season and Cook the Shrimp:
In a bowl, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning until they are well coated. Then, in a skillet over medium heat, cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn opaque. Once cooked, remove them from the heat and set aside. It’s important not to overcook the shrimp, so keep an eye on them!
3. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce if you like it spicy. Add half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to this mixture. Stir everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
4. Add Shrimp and Chives:
Fold the cooked shrimp into the creamy mixture, making sure everything is well combined. Don’t forget to reserve a few shrimp for topping the dip later! Add chopped fresh chives and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble the Dip:
Transfer this mixture into an oven-safe baking dish, smoothing it out evenly. Top it with the rest of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and arrange the leftover shrimp on top for a beautiful presentation. Finally, sprinkle a bit of Cajun seasoning over the top for that extra touch of flavor!
6. Bake and Enjoy:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You want it to be melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown on top. Once it looks irresistible, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
7. Serve and Delight:
Garnish with extra chopped chives and serve warm with sliced baguette or tortilla chips for dipping. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful Cajun Shrimp Dip—it’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Dip?
Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw them in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for a quicker thaw.
How Can I Make This Dip Spicier?
If you’re looking for more heat, simply increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add extra hot sauce to taste. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of regular cheddar for an extra kick!
Can I Prepare This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dip mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When ready to enjoy, simply bake it as directed until bubbly!
What Are the Best Ways to Serve Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring to avoid hot spots. Serve with fresh chips or baguette slices for dipping!
